Ed Orgeron: "Everything is in on Special Teams as far as the basics"

Battles continue for place kicker, kick/punt return jobs

Amid the behind-closed-doors installation of Matt Canada’s brand spanking new offense, it’s almost easy to forget LSU coach Ed Orgeron’s staff is also undertaking a complete reboot of every aspect of special teams.

Much has been written about the innovative way LSU is managing the game’s third phase this season. Orgeron and five assistant coaches are divvying up special teams units under the supervision of analyst Greg McMahon, who’ll coach the coaches.

Getting those units reorganized has apparently been a focal point through the first two weeks of camp. Orgeron said special team periods are treated exactly like those for offense or defense.

“We’ve spent a lot of time on special teams,” Orgeron said after practice Wednesday. “Everything is in on special teams as far as the basics of special teams. Those guys are doing a tremendous job under the tutelage of all our coaches.”

Orgeron told reporters that LSU kickers went 10-for-10 on field goals in a recent practice as the battle continues to decide who’ll replace Colby Delahoussaye.

The coach didn’t divulge how those 10 kicks were divided up between Connor Culp and Jack Gonsoulin, but reiterated that both remain firmly in the mix for place kicking duties.